In a recent summit held in Montenegro, European Union leaders have underscored the urgency of making the bloc’s enlargement process both faster and more credible, highlighting a strategic commitment to integrating new members. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing leaders from six Western Balkan nations, emphasized the EU’s need to demonstrate its capacity to expand and integrate these countries into its future framework. Notably, the EU has not welcomed a new member in over ten years, prompting calls for substantial reforms in the accession process.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, advocating for more effective and trustworthy membership negotiations. The summit gathered EU officials alongside representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, all of whom are pursuing EU membership. Among them, Montenegro is considered the most advanced candidate, aiming to join the EU by 2028.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the strategic importance of EU enlargement for Europe’s security, energy independence, and migration management. He also supported the idea of “gradual integration,” which would allow candidate countries to engage with selected EU institutions and initiatives prior to achieving full membership status.
The momentum behind expansion efforts has increased significantly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This geopolitical shift has not only intensified the focus on the Western Balkans but also brought Ukraine and Moldova into the fold of countries seeking EU membership. The EU views this enlargement as a mechanism to bolster regional stability and diminish external influences.
Despite the growing political support for enlargement, the path to EU accession remains lengthy and complex. Candidate countries must undergo extensive reforms, and every stage of the process requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, underscoring the intricate nature of joining the bloc.